Free vs Paid SSL Certificates — What’s the Difference?

NicNames Podcast hosted by Andriy Khvetkevych with AI-expert Jexi. In this episode of the NicNames Podcast, host Andriy Khvetkevych dives into a critical topic for website owners: the difference between free and paid SSL certificates — and how to choose the right one. He’s joined by Jexi, a specialist in domains and digital assets, to break it down in simple yet informative terms.

Why SSL Matters

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts communication between a user’s browser and a website’s server. This encryption is essential not only for online stores but for any website collecting data, such as email addresses. SSL also activates HTTPS, which improves search engine rankings and visitor trust.

Free SSL Certificates

Free certificates, like those from Let’s Encrypt, offer basic encryption and are issued automatically by most hosting providers. However, they:

• Do not verify the identity of the domain owner
• Only confirm that the server matches the domain
• Typically last just 90 days, requiring frequent renewals

Paid SSL Certificates

Paid SSLs offer advanced validation options, including:

• Domain Validation (DV) – confirms domain ownership
• Organization Validation (OV) – verifies the legal identity of the organization
• Extended Validation (EV) – provides the highest trust level, with the company name often visible in the browser

Paid certificates also last 1–2 years, reducing maintenance. In many cases, especially for sites handling payments, OV or EV SSLs are required by international providers.

Final Thoughts

Both types have their place: free SSL is great for small personal projects, while paid SSL is essential for businesses, eCommerce, and any site requiring user trust or regulatory compliance.

“If you take your business seriously, investing in SSL security is as crucial as investing in design or marketing,” says Jexi.

Secure your website with confidence! Whether you need a basic Let's Encrypt SSL or full legal validation, NicNames.com offers reliable, affordable SSL certificates for every type of project. Don’t compromise on security — order your SSL now.